Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London · Full-time
Conservation of Wall Paintings
Do you want to make a difference in the care of cultural heritage, and preserve it for the future? Would you enjoy a career that combines your strong practical and manual skills with a deep intellectual understanding of wall paintings both in terms of art hist…
MA3 yearsFull-time
Browse history and philosophy courses in UK
Conservation and Technology · Historical, philosophical and religious studies
Do you want to make a difference in the care of cultural heritage, and preserve it for the future? Would you enjoy a career that combines your strong practical and manual skills with a deep intellectual understanding of wall paintings both in terms of art history, conservation ethics and material science? The Courtauld is a leading centre for education and research in wall painting conservation. The 3-year practical MA in Conservation of Wall Paintings will prepare you for a professional career in a field that is inclusive, interdisciplinary and international. The degree is taught by specialists in wall paintings conservation, technical art history and conservation science, with many years of collective experience of working in the conservation sector. This sector knowledge informs the teaching, which is tailored to the evolving needs of the profession with the aim of producing highly employable graduates. The programme excels in developing conservators with research and critical skills that allow them to flourish in a wide range of challenging careers. Applicants usually have a BA or equivalent degree in the humanities or the natural sciences. The course leads to a high degree of employment upon graduation in both private practice and institutions, with many Courtauld alumni going on to make a major impact in the conservation of wall paintings and other aspects of cultural heritage through roles at leading national and international organisations or as independent practitioners. Teaching focuses on evaluating the synergistic relationship between wall paintings, built heritage and the environment. Through a rigorous ethical and scientific framework, you will gain skills in passive, preventive and remedial conservation, and in professional practice. The MA degree offers extensive practical experience on wall painting sites, and on completion you will be able to design, evaluate and carry out conservation treatments. The course teaches the digital and organisational skills required to manage ambitious projects, both independently and in collaboration. It will equip you with critical evaluation and communication skills, so that you will be ready for a career in conservation, further conservation research, and beyond.
Getting in
As the university states it
UK qualifications: Successful applicants will normally hold a Bachelor’s degree in either Fine Art, History of Art, Archaeology, or in the Natural Sciences, and have achieved a good 2.1. Overseas qualification: Equivalent to a good 2.1 in a UK first degree (e.g. US applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or above). Country-specific qualifications can be found here: https://courtauld.ac.uk/explore-our-courses/international-students/international-entry-requirements/ English language requirements: If your first language is not English, we require proof of English language proficiency – please see the English Language Requirements page https://courtauld.ac.uk/explore-our-courses/international-students/english-language-requirements/ Other requirements: Previous conservation experience is not required, though some understanding of the nature of wall painting conservation is desirable. Students must have normal colour vision. The interview process consists of a personal interview before a board; tests of manual dexterity and colour vision; and a brief written test requiring comment on a variety of wall paintings. Students who do not have a degree in science will need to complete and pass an online science course in the summer prior to beginning the MA. This will be delivered online by the Courtauld.
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